Communities and Local Government
Private Finance Initiative
Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will publish the value of estimated tax receipts, calculated in accordance with the Green Book, in each public sector economic assessment of private finance initiative projects in procurement by his Department as of March 2011. [70924]
Robert Neill: The Department itself has no private finance initiative projects in procurement.
However the Department does sponsor a number of housing, fire and joint service centre private finance initiative projects that are being procured by local authorities and fire and resilience authorities.
Details of tax payable estimates for sponsored private finance initiative projects will be contained in project specific documents held by individual local authorities and fire and resilience authorities and which are submitted to the Department at key procurement stages. This information is not currently collated or held on a database though by the Department.
At 31 March 2011 there were 12 housing, two fire and three joint service centre private finance initiative projects in procurement.
Empty Property: Berkshire
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether his Department has estimated the number of empty homes in (a) Berkshire, (b) Reading and (c) Reading West constituency. [70803]
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Grant Shapps: According to council tax data as at 4 October 2010 there were (a) 8,246 empty homes in Berkshire, of which 3,182 were classed as long-term empty; and (b) 1,929 empty homes in Reading, of which 610 were classed as long-term empty. Homes classed as long-term empty are those dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for over six months. Figures are not available on a constituency basis.
Figures on empty homes by local authority district are available on the Department for Communities and Local Government website in live table 615 at the following link:
www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/stockincludingvacants/livetables/
We have put in place powerful tools and incentives to support local communities to tackle empty homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, communities will receive a direct financial reward for bringing an empty home back into use. We are also investing £100 million through the Affordable Home Programme to tackle empty homes directly.
Enterprise Zones
Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what criteria were used to assess bids in the Round 2 bidding process for local enterprise zones. [71202]
Greg Clark [holding answer 9 September 2011]:The Government assessed how bids for enterprise zones would best deliver local growth and jobs. As set out in the guidance published on 27 May, the assessment of bids focused on three criteria: the extent to which the bid would deliver growth; the value for the money of the bid; and if the plans for delivery were robust.
Housing: Graduates
Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the number of UK graduates who have purchased a home in the last 15 years. [70434]
Grant Shapps: In England, there are an estimated 1.8 million home owners out of the 3.5 million people who have graduated in the last 15 years.
Source:
English Housing Survey, 2009-10
Local Government: Expenditure
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has taken to ensure that local councils abide by his Department's guidelines for redacting figures when publishing expenditure of £500 or more. [71090]
Robert Neill:
The Department has not produced guidelines for councils on redacting figures when publishing expenditure of £500 or more. Following public consultation earlier this year, the Department will shortly publish a Code of Recommended Practice, setting out the principles and minimum standards that authorities should follow when publishing data. Local authorities must not release
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data if that would contravene the Data Protection Act 1998 or section 100A(2) of the Local Government Act 1972. Additional guidelines produced by the sector can be viewed at this link:
http://lgtransparency.readandcomment.com/
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
British Nationals Abroad: Homicide
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on support for families affected by the murder of a British national abroad. [70101]
Alistair Burt: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials have had discussions with officials at the Ministry of Justice to ensure that we can provide the best possible support for families bereaved by a murder abroad. The FCO is also represented on the Homicide Service Implementation Group, which oversees the work of the Victim Support National Homicide Service.
Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of (a) the Council of Europe, (b) the EU and (c) other Governments on the services and support available to families of British nationals murdered overseas. [70129]
Alistair Burt: The UK has opted in to the proposed EU directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and is participating in the negotiations on the directive. We welcome the proposed directive, which will benefit UK citizens who are victims in other EU member states. They will be afforded minimum rights, support and protection to a level similar to that they would receive as a victim of crime in the UK. The directive will allow UK citizens to move throughout the EU with confidence that should they fall victim to crime in any member state, their rights will be respected when participating in criminal proceedings and they will be able to access a minimum level of support across the EU.
Diplomatic Service: Internet
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the use of UK embassy websites to campaign on issues within their host nations. [70177]
Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has a network of over 250 embassy websites with content in over 40 languages. Their purpose is to showcase and support the work of British embassies abroad, share key information with the public, and to play a role in the delivery of FCO and posts' objectives, including policy goals. Their audiences range from British citizens abroad to visitors wishing to travel to the UK, to opinion formers and influencers in their host countries.
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India
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on the situation of the Adivasi peoples in central India. [71078]
Alistair Burt: We have not discussed the situation of the Adivasi with the Indian Government. However, we regularly discuss human rights issues, including minority rights, with the Indian Government both bilaterally and through the EU-India human rights dialogue. In addition, our high commission in Delhi also has regular meetings with the National Commission for Minorities and Indian Minorities Minister Salman Khursheed.
Iraq: Kurds
Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on military incursions by Turkey and Iran into the Kurdistan region of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [70760]
Alistair Burt: We received reports of Turkish airstrikes and artillery barrages in August targeting the terrorist group PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), and in July of Iranian shelling and an incursion to attack PJAK (Free Life Party of Kurdistan) bases. The Kurdistan Regional Government has appealed for a cessation to all hostilities and for the PKK as well as the PJAK to lay down their weapons.
We take attacks across borders seriously and pay close attention to the circumstances in which they occur. We call for co-operation with the Governments of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region over the threat in the border areas, and have expressed our concern about indiscriminate Iranian shelling.
Libya
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of reports of allegations of abuses perpetrated by the forces of (a) the former Government of Libya and (b) the Transitional National Council; and if he will make a statement. [70832]
Alistair Burt: The Government have made clear that all those committing human rights abuses and atrocities in Libya must be brought to justice. The UK led the drive for referral of the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court in UN Security Council Resolution 1970 and called for a special session of the Human Rights Council which set up the Commission of Inquiry into Libya. The Commission reported systematic abuse of civilians, including evidence of excessive use of force, a pattern of enforced disappearances, and deliberate destruction and attacks on medical transports and facilities by Gaddafi forces. These are clear demonstrations of the former Gaddafi regime's disregard for international law.
The UN Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry first report in June 2011 also found that there were some instances of human right abuses levelled
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against the then opposition fighters, although it concluded that these were not part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians.
Since then, the National Transitional Council (NTC) has continued to voice its commitment to international humanitarian and human rights law, and has stated its intent to fully implement the Commission's report recommendations. Articles 7 & 8 of the Draft Constitutional Declaration clearly outline the NTC's plan to join international and regional declarations and charters that protect human rights and basic freedoms. The NTC has also taken action. It produced and reissued a frontline manual instructing Libyan civilians on the fundamental rules that must be adhered to in conflict and has conducted an investigation into reports of mistreatment of prisoners. We welcome this emphasis and its commitment, and will continue to raise these issues it them.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the firing of mortars and Qassam rockets into southern Israel from Gaza on 4 July 2011; and if he will make a statement. [R] [70999]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Tel Aviv monitors rocket attacks on Israel closely. As we have consistently made clear, all such attacks should stop. Our understanding is that the situation was quiet on the Gaza-Israel border on 4 July 2011 and no rockets were fired into Israel that day.
More recently, from 18-21 August, we witnessed once again an alarming escalation in violence. I issued a statement making clear our concerns about the violence in Gaza and southern Israel. Nine Israelis were killed and many more were injured. In Gaza, at least 15 people were reported killed, including three children. We strongly condemned this appalling violence. The announcement of a ceasefire is welcome.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News &id=645743582
We have urged that everything is done to avoid further civilian casualties. It is vital that all sides show restraint and seek to reduce tensions.
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent reports he has received of (a) meetings of and (b) statements by the Arab League on responses to terrorism by Israel; and if he will make a statement; [R] [71019]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Arab League on statements by that organisation condemning Arab terrorism in Israel; and if he will make a statement; [R] [71239]
(3) what recent reports he has received of occasions when members of the Arab League have (a) met to discuss and (b) issued statements to condemn terrorist incidents (i) in Israel committed by Hamas and (ii) in Israel and the West Bank committed by (A) Arab organisations and (B) Hezbollah. [R] [71240]
Alistair Burt:
UK Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the Arab League, an organisation key to UK objectives in the region. We discuss a range of
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issues of mutual concern, especially the middle east Peace Process and wider Israeli/Palestinian concerns. Most recently, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Cairo met the Secretary General of the Arab League on 8 September.
The UK's position on all terrorist attacks is that they should be condemned unreservedly. This is especially important as efforts for peace in the region continue and all parties should be doing everything they can to prevent violence and coming together to negotiate.
Representations on meetings and statements of the Arab League may best be made to the Arab League themselves. The head of the office in London is Dr Adel Babesail, who can be contacted at:
press@arableague.org.uk
Nguyen Van Ly
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Vietnam for the early release of Father Nguyen Van Ly. [70139]
Alistair Burt: The UK Government are concerned about the Vietnamese authorities' decision to return Father Ly to prison on 25 July and we are continuing to monitor his case closely. We fully endorse the EU High Representative's statement of 29 July 2011 on Father Ly's re-imprisonment. Father Ly is included on the local EU list of persons and detainees of concern which we share regularly with the Vietnamese authorities to seek information about the welfare of the detainees and to request their immediate release.
Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Vietnam to release Father Nguyen Van Ly from prison. [70140]
Alistair Burt: The EU engages regularly with the Vietnamese authorities on a list of persons and detainees of concern, seeking information about the welfare of the detainees and requesting their immediate release. The list, which includes Father Ly, was raised most recently with the Vietnamese authorities on 24 August. The UK Government remain concerned about the Vietnamese authorities' decision to return Father Ly to prison on 25 July and we are continuing to monitor his case closely. We fully endorse the EU High Representative's statement of 29 July 2011 on Father Ly's re-imprisonment.
Palestinian State (Oslo Accords)
Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account he has taken of the Oslo interim agreement in developing his policy on the proposed UN resolution on a Palestinian state. [70738]
Alistair Burt: The UK's policy is that the best way to resolve this long standing conflict is through a negotiated two-state solution. Our approach is to encourage the parties to agree a lasting settlement, including through implementation of the Oslo Accords.
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Failure to return to negotiations now puts at risk the long term prospects for a solution and, in the short term, may provoke difficult choices in the UN. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the opportunity for peace slip further from their grasp.
Along with our European Union partners, we are working to build consensus on a way forward that recognises the progress the Palestinians have made on their state-building efforts, that meets Israel's legitimate security concerns, and that avoids confrontation in the UN. Whatever action is taken in New York, it is important that this increases the prospects for a return to negotiations.
Libya
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the political and security situation in Libya. [70864]
Alistair Burt: The Government have welcomed the National Transitional Council's (NTC) Constitutional Declaration. The NTC has shown its commitment to a more open and democratic Libya and is working to achieve this through an inclusive political process. The formation of an interim government in Tripoli is expected soon. As the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) said on 5 September 2011, the Libyan people can be proud of what they have achieved. They now have the opportunity to decide their own future.
The NTC has also articulated its stabilisation plan. The UK will be at the forefront of international efforts to assist Libyans in planning and implementation of this plan. We support the role of the UN in co-ordinating international assistance to the new Libyan authorities.
The overall security situation is improving with all but a few population centres free of Gaddafi forces. Pressure continues to increase on the remnants of his forces in Sirte, Bani Walid and Sabha, and NATO is continuing to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
Somalia: Famine
Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Kenya on the use of refugee facilities for victims of the famine in Somalia. [69080]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: I have been asked to reply.
During my visit to Kenya in July, I pressed the Kenyan Prime Minister and Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security Affairs over the need to allocate more camp space for refugees fleeing Somalia. The Ifo II and Kambioos camps in Dadaab have since been opened.
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Work and Pensions
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition of myalgic encephalopathy his Department uses; and how it categorises the condition. [71238]
Chris Grayling: DWP guidance defines chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis as:
“an illness that is characterised by physical and mental fatigue and fatigability.”
Guidance does not formally categorise the condition but states that:
“it is important to ensure full consideration is given to all the disabling effects of the illness.”
Employment
Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of recent trends in part-time working; what estimate he has made of the number of part-time employees in the quarter to June 2011; what estimate he has made of the number of such employees who are seeking a full-time job; what assessment he has made of the effects of recent trends in part-time working on the economy; and if he will make a statement; [70034]
(2) what assessment he has made of recent trends in temporary employment; what estimate he has made of the number of people working as temporary employees in the quarter to June 2011; what estimate he has made of the number of such employees who are seeking a permanent job; what assessment he has made of the effects of recent trends in the number of temporary employees on the economy; and if he will make a statement. [70035]
Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2011:
As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking:
(i) what assessment he has made of recent trends in part-time working; what estimate he has made of the number of part-time employees in the quarter to June 2011; what estimate he has made of the number of such employees who are seeking a full-time job; what assessment he has made of the effects of recent trends in part-time working on the economy (70034); and
(ii) what assessment he has made of recent trends in temporary employment; what estimate he has made of the number of people working as temporary employees in the quarter to June 2011; what estimate he has made of the number of such employees who are seeking a permanent job; what assessment he has made of the effects of recent trends in the number of temporary employees on the economy (70035);
For the period April-June 2011 there were an estimated 6.678 million employees in the UK working part-time (seasonally adjusted). On a non-seasonally adjusted basis there were 6.681 million part-time employees, of which 1.097 million reported that they had taken part-time employment because they had not been able to find a full-time job.
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For the same period there were an estimated 1.608 million people working as temporary employees, of which 0.601 million reported that they had taken a temporary job because they had not been able to find a permanent job (both figures seasonally adjusted).
The ONS does not publish estimates of trends in these statistics. Nor does it assess the effects of temporary and part-time working on the economy. However, time series for the statistics requested are published among the tables associated with the monthly Labour Market Statistical Bulletin.
The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. Indications of the sampling variability of LFS aggregate estimates are provided in the Statistical Bulletin.
Enterprise Clubs
Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many enterprise clubs have been set up in (a) England, (b) the South East and (c) Kent. [71386]
Chris Grayling: The Department does not publish statistics on enterprise clubs as they are a locally driven initiative that will evolve over time, and their support can be accessed without referral from Jobcentre Plus.
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to encourage claimants of jobseeker's allowance to become self-employed. [71388]
Chris Grayling: The new enterprise allowance (NEA) provides help to unemployed people to start their own business. It is available to people who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for six months or more. It provides access to business mentoring and offers financial support.
Jobseeker's allowance claimants who participate in the new enterprise allowance work with a volunteer business mentor who will provide them with guidance and support as they develop their business idea, and through the early stages of trading. To be eligible to receive the financial support, the claimant has to demonstrate that their business idea is viable and has growth potential. The financial support consists of a
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weekly allowance payable over 26 weeks worth up to £1,274—allowing them to establish their business and cash flow—and if they need start-up capital they may also apply for an unsecured loan of up to £1,000 to help them with start-up costs such as buying their initial equipment.
The new enterprise allowance is now available throughout Great Britain.
We are also supporting the development of local enterprise clubs, helping people make the most of local knowledge and resources to support unemployed people in their communities who are interested in becoming self-employed. Enterprise clubs provide unemployed people interested in self-employment with a place to meet and exchange skills, make contacts, share experiences, receive support and encourage each other to work through their business ideas. Jobcentre Plus advisers signpost claimants interested in self-employment to their local enterprise club where one is available.
Welfare to Work
Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what welfare-to-work organisations operating in Reading West constituency have a contract with his Department. [71182]
Chris Grayling: Action for Employment and Maximus hold Work programme contracts in Reading. In addition, Action for Employment has a Jobcentre Plus support contract and Shaw Trust holds a Work Choice contract.
Work Capability Assessment
Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Work Capability Assessments have been initiated in East Hampshire constituency to date. [70759]
Chris Grayling: The following table presents data for employment and support allowance (ESA) claims in East Hampshire local authority area starting between October 2008 to November 2010 (the latest data available). The table shows the outcomes at initial and repeat work capability assessments. Note that claims closed before the assessment was complete have been included for completeness as the claim may have been closed after the work capability assessment was initiated.
| ESA claims starting in East Hampshire | ||||||
| Number | ||||||
|
|
Support group | Work-related activity group | Fit for work | Claim closed before assessment complete | Assessment still in progress | All claims |
| Notes: 1. The Department regularly publishes official statistics on the employment and support allowance (ESA) work capability assessment at the national level. The latest report, published in July 2011, covers new claimants to ESA for October 2008 to November 2010 (the latest data available) and can be found here: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/index.php?page=esa_wca 2. The data presented above come from benefit claims data held by the Department for Work and Pensions and functional assessment data from Atos Healthcare. 3. These figures do not include incapacity benefit reassessment claims. 4. A small number of clerical assessments, where the result cannot be determined from DWP benefits data, are excluded from these figures. | ||||||
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Defence
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve supply chain mechanisms to deliver resources to military personnel serving in Afghanistan. [70649]
Peter Luff: As recognised by the Committee of Public Accounts Forty-Third report of Session 2010-12, the chain by which military operations, such as those in Afghanistan, are supplied with essential equipment and supplies would be much more efficient if directed by a modern information system supported by appropriate skills and procedures. A comprehensive programme is under way to replace the current ageing and obsolete logistics information systems with new capabilities including the Future Logistics Information Services project (which will replace the base inventory systems), the Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory (MJDI) system (for deployed assets) and the Joint Asset Management Engineering Solution (JAMES) (to improve the management of land equipment).
MJDI and JAMES are currently being rolled out. These will contribute to improved materiel accounting and early increments of MJDI are already in service within some units within Afghanistan, with the programme due to deliver the full MJDI and JAMES capabilities in 2014.
In addition, the new single tri-service base inventory and warehousing system, to replace the individual systems used in all three services, will also be delivered incrementally. This will see a major step change in the support chain and materiel accounting, with a rationalised modern base inventory and warehouse service with easier reconciliation with the Ministry of Defence's finance systems.
Armed Forces
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the need for an officer of high rank to (a) oversee and organise the return of troops from Germany and (b) lead the new Multi-Role Brigade. [70191]
Nick Harvey: It has been agreed that the senior military officer who will oversee the return of troops from Germany will be the Commander-in-Chief Land Forces. He will be supported by the chief executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, who is responsible for the preparation of the UK defence estate in advance of the troops returning, and the return of the estate that the Army currently occupies in Germany to the German federal authorities.
There are no plans to change the manner in which operational brigades are commanded; the multi-role brigades will be commanded by brigadiers selected in line with current Army policy.
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average length of service is for an infantry soldier who enlists (a) aged 18 or above and (b) below the age of 18. [70672]
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Mr Robathan: The average length of service on exit for trained infantry soldiers who left during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 July 2011 was 8.7 years.
For those who joined under the age of 18 it was 10 years and for those who joined aged 18 or over it was 7.6 years.
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel in (a) trained and (b) untrained strength are not deployable due to their age. [70673]
Mr Robathan: As at 1 July 2011, there were 150 trained service personnel who were not fully deployable as they were under the age of 18. There were 1,940 untrained service personnel under the age of 18.
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies his Department has undertaken into the cost of recruiting, training and paying 16 year old soldiers for up to two years before they can be deployed since the commencement of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. [70675]
Armed Forces: Discharges
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are in place to assist resettlement of early service leavers who enlisted below the age of 18. [70678]
Mr Robathan: Resettlement assistance is offered to all early service leavers, regardless of their age. This includes a briefing at unit level on all the services and organisations that are in a position to help them in their transition to civilian life and guidance on accessing the services available through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to which, as ex-service personnel, they have early access. DWP services include an interview by trained consultants, access to online job search facilities, practical guidance on creating and updating CVs, identifying transferrable skills and training opportunities, professional help in completing job applications and development of interview skills with the aid of expert staff. Advice is also given on housing issues, pensions and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
From November 2011, we are enhancing the resettlement package for all early service leavers, regardless of their age, through trialling best practice industry solutions. The aim of the trials is to improve employment outcomes for those who leave early through the offer of a more personalised and sophisticated level of resettlement. Under these trials we also aim to offer greater support for any who leave early and are vulnerable to social exclusion, again, regardless of their age.
Personnel who leave early as a result of being medically discharged are entitled to the most comprehensive resettlement package through the Career Transition Partnership. This consists of a range of transition services and concessions in time, money and training opportunities.
Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many early service leavers left the armed forces in the last 12 months; how many of those were aged 21 or younger; and how many enlisted below the age of 18. [70679]
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Mr Robathan: In the financial year 2010-11, 6,130 personnel left the armed forces with less than four years' service, of which 3,740 were aged under 21. Of the 6,130, 2,180 were aged under 18 when they enlisted. The figures comprise UK regular forces, both trained and untrained, and are rounded to the nearest 10.
Armed Forces: Housing
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which personnel use Craigiehall housing stock; [70185]
(2) which bodies own the housing stock associated with the Craigiehall base in Edinburgh; [70186]
(3) what plans he has for the future of housing stock at Craigiehall. [70207]
Mr Robathan: There are 78 service family accommodation (SFA) properties at Craigiehall that are owned by the Ministry of Defence. The exact future requirement for SFA in the Edinburgh area is under review, however, it is expected that all current housing stock will continue to be required to accommodate entitled service personnel and their families.
As at 5 September 2011, SFA at Craigiehall was used to accommodate entitled personnel from the following units: 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers), 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, Headquarters 2nd Division, 22 Military Intelligence Company, 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 45 Commando Royal Marines, 6th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (Volunteers), 603 Squadron
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Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Armed Forces Careers Office, Defence Equipment and Support, Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade, Headquarters International Security Assistance Force, Royal Air Force Leuchars, Scottish Transport Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (Volunteers) and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Personnel.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) families and (b) children are living in army accommodation at (i) Craigiehall, (ii) Redford and (iii) Dreghorn. [70201]
Mr Robathan: Service family accommodation (SFA) is a tri-service asset and properties are not allocated to individual barracks or units. As at 5 September 2011, records show there were 648 families with 929 children under the age of 18 living in SFA in the Edinburgh area.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many single accommodation places there are for (a) officers and (b) other ranks at (i) Redford Barracks, (ii) Dreghorn Barracks and (iii) Craigiehall; [70277]
(2) how many and what proportion of units of (a) single living accommodation and (b) service family accommodation at each grade there are at (i) Redford Barracks, (ii) Dreghorn Barracks and (iii) Craigiehall. [70279]
Mr Robathan: The number of single living accommodation bedspaces together with standard for condition (SfC) at Redford Barracks, Dreghorn Barracks and Craigiehall is shown in the following table:
| Establishment | Rank | SfC 1 | SfC 2 | SfC 3 | SfC 4 | Total |
Service family accommodation (SFA) is a tri-service asset and properties are not allocated to individual barracks or units. There are some 757 SFA across Edinburgh of which 738 are at SfC 1 and 19 are at SfC 2.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on accommodation in the last 10 years for (a) Redford Barracks, (b) Dreghorn Barracks and (c) Craigiehall. [70280]
Mr Robathan: The amount spent on single living accommodation in Redford Barracks, Dreghorn Barracks, and Craigiehall is shown in the following table:
| £ million | ||||||||
|
|
2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
12 Sep 2011 : Column 1011W
12 Sep 2011 : Column 1012W
Service family accommodation (SFA) is managed on a tri-service basis and is not broken down by individual sites. The amount spent on SFA in Edinburgh is shown in the following table:
|
|
£ million |
Data prior to 2003 are not held.
Armed Forces: Training
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Royal Air Force and (b) Royal Navy personnel undertaking pilot training were informed of (i) redundancy and (ii) termination of their place on their course; at what stage of their training they were so informed; and how many such personnel have been assigned to other duties. [70046]
Mr Robathan: In March this year, 170 RAF student pilots left the flying training pipeline during the initial phase of flying training, which is undertaken prior to learning to fly specific operational aircraft. Of those:
seven student pilots have secured career moves to ground-based branches;
161 have been notified they will be made redundant; and
two are leaving the RAF for different reasons.
Redundancy notifications for personnel in the Royal Navy will be issued on 30 September 2011. It would not be appropriate to announce how many of those are pilots prior to the announcement.
Combat Capability Directorate
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) where the headquarters for the (a) Combat Capability Directorate, (b) Combat Support Capability Directorate, (c) Information Capability Directorate and (d) Combat Service Support Capability Directorate will be located; [70841]
(2) how many (a) service and (b) civilian personnel will be assigned to (i) Combat Capability Directorate, (ii) Combat Support Capability Directorate and (iii) the Information Capability Directorate; [70842]
(3) which regiments will be (a) amalgamated and (b) disbanded as a result of the creation of the Combat Capability Directorate. [70844]
Nick Harvey: The Army is planning to restructure eight of its arms and service directorates into four capability directorates by the end of 2012. Detailed planning is under way but the location of the directorates and the numbers of service and civilian personnel to be assigned to them has yet to be determined.
No regiments will be amalgamated or disbanded as a result of the creation of the combat capability directorate.
Redundancy
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on redundancy payments for armed forces personnel since May 2010. [71056]
Military Aircraft
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects simultaneously to maintain an (a) Amphibious and (b) Airborne Small Scale Contingency Battle Group. [70860]
Nick Harvey: A contingent Amphibious Commando Group and Airborne Task Force, at battle group level, will be maintained simultaneously from financial year 2012.
Military Bases
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether planning permission was obtained for the previously planned modernisation of Craigiehall as a divisional headquarters. [70208]
Mr Robathan: Planning permission was granted by Edinburgh city council for an office building to replace the Annandale block at Craigiehall. However, it was decided to delay commencement of work until the requirement for a replacement was further developed and resources allowed.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated values are of the sites of United Kingdom Land Command at (a) Redford Barracks, (b) Dreghorn Barracks and (c) Craigiehall. [70276]
Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence does not routinely assess the current market value of all its estate because the estimated receipts will depend on market conditions and other factors at the time of sale. Where pre-sale valuations have been obtained, these are withheld as their disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maintenance costs were for (a) Redford Barracks, (b) Dreghorn Barracks and (c) Second Division headquarters at Craigiehall in each of the last five years. [70281]
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Mr Robathan: The maintenance costs for Redford Barracks, Dreghorn Barracks and Craigiehall in each of the last five years are shown in the following table:
| £ million | |||||
|
|
2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 |
Military Bases: Kirknewton
Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian jobs will be lost with the closure of (a) Craigiehall, (b) Redford and (c) Dreghorn barracks; whether these jobs will be moved to the proposed new base at Kirknewton; and whether any such jobs which are moved to Kirknewton will be filled by army personnel. [70192]
Mr Robathan: The number of civilian posts which will be affected by the closure of Craigiehall, Redford and Dreghorn Barracks is shown in the following table:
| Location | Number of civilian posts (1) |
| (1 )Some posts are currently vacant | |
The future of the civilian posts based in Headquarters (HQ) 2nd Division at Craigiehall, will be considered as part of the process to create a single HQ Support Command based in Aldershot.
The other units affected by the site closures at Craigiehall, Redford and Dreghorn Barracks will, as appropriate, be accommodated at other locations. This remains subject to further detailed planning work on the timing and sequencing of Army moves and it is too early to confirm where these units will be located or what the impact will be on specific civilian jobs.
There is no intention to fill any civilian posts moving to Kirknewton with Army personnel.
Navy
Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had on steps to equalise pay and conditions between Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Navy personnel. [70335]
Mr Robathan: The well established Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) conditions of service are based on civil service and RFA specific policy, reflecting the distinct role of the RFA service, the status of the personnel as Ministry of Defence civilians, and the tasks required of them in meeting Defence requirements. There have therefore been no negotiations regarding the equalisation of pay and conditions between the RFA and Royal Navy personnel.
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International Development
Developing Countries: Transport
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans his Department has to assist with the development of transport links that would encourage tourism in each of the overseas territories that receive assistance from his Department. [70885]
Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development in partnership with overseas territory Governments pursues every opportunity to encourage tourism that represents value for money for the UK taxpayer and that will lead to economic development, reduced dependence, and ultimately, greater self-sufficiency for the territory.
For example, DFID has been willing to finance an airport for St Helena subject to the conditions set out in Secretary of State for International Development's written statement of 22 July 2010, Official Report, columns 46-47WS. For Montserrat, we are at the early stages of considering an investment with the EU in an upgraded port at Little Bay. DFID also currently subsidises sea access to St Helena, Montserrat and Pitcairn to ensure that islanders and tourists can travel to these islands in a safe, predictable and affordable manner.
Ethiopia: Overseas Aid
Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what changes have been made to the mechanisms for tracking aid following the recommendations made in the report of the Development Assistance Group Ethiopia on Aid Management and Utilisation in Ethiopia. [70680]
Mr O'Brien: The Development Assistance Group (DAG) report on Aid Management and Utilisation in Ethiopia was published in August 2010. Since publication, the Department for International Development (DFID) and other international agencies have been working with the Government of Ethiopia to implement the recommendations made in the report. Two examples of specific progress include the design of an independent grievance mechanism for the Protection of Basic Services programme and improvements to the systems that identify who should be included in emergency nutrition programmes.
DFID continues to play a leading role in these efforts. But we would like to see swifter progress. Prompted by DFID, the DAG has this month advertised for a full-time adviser to co-ordinate and accelerate the strengthening of systems and safeguards in donor-supported programmes in Ethiopia. One early task for the adviser will include a comprehensive assessment of progress made in implementing the recommendations of the DAG report.
Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on the recommendation for a second phase of work in the report of the Development Assistance Group Ethiopia on Aid Management and Utilisation in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement. [70681]
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Mr O'Brien: The Development Assistance Group (DAG) study on Aid Management and Utilisation in Ethiopia concluded with a report published in August 2010. Since publication, the Department for International Development (DFID) and other international agencies have been working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen the systems and safeguards in the programmes covered by the report. This important ongoing work is being taken forward in routine, programme-specific dialogue. It is core business for DAG members, not a ‘second phase’ of work.
Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department (a) has provided and (b) plans to provide to the Government of Ethiopia for its policy of villagisation. [70682]
Mr O'Brien: In February 2011, the Government of Ethiopia approached the international community for support for its villagisation programme (now officially known as the Commune Programme).
The Department for International Development (DFID), in collaboration with other international agencies, then developed a set of guidelines and principles for transparent and fair villagisation/resettlement processes in Ethiopia. These were discussed with and accepted by the Government of Ethiopia. DFID has also provided the Government with examples of good practice relating to resettlement and villagisation processes.
While we do not plan to provide financial support to the Commune Programme, we are discussing with the Government of Ethiopia, relevant regional authorities and international partners how we can best support accelerated development in the four developing regions of Ethiopia, which include those regions where the Commune Programme is being implemented.
Ethiopia: Resettlement
Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will place in the Library a copy of the recent assessment led by his Department of the villagisation process in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. [70684]
Mr O'Brien: In February 2011, officials from the Department for International Development (DFID) in Ethiopia participated in a multi-agency assessment of villagisation (now officially known as the Commune Programme) in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. The findings were captured in a report, which was shared with the Government of Ethiopia.
The decision to share the report requires agreement by all agencies involved in the mission. DFID Ethiopia is seeking approval to release the report from the agencies involved.
Horn of Africa: Droughts
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what information his Department holds on the amounts donated by other donors to alleviate the drought crisis in the horn of Africa; what estimate he has made of total donations by 30 September 2011; what estimate he has made of outstanding financial requirements; and what steps he is taking to attract greater donations. [70774]
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Mr Andrew Mitchell: The United Nations (UN) maintains a website, accessible at:
http://fts.unocha.org/pageloader.aspx
which has details of donor contributions to the horn of Africa. Currently the UK is the second largest humanitarian donor to region behind the United States. Since 1 July, the UK has committed £124.29 million. During the third week of September, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will sit in New York. I anticipate that UN member states will pledge funds to the Horn relief effort at UNGA. This makes it difficult to gauge what the overall donor response will be come 30 September.
According to the UN, regional financial shortfalls across the Horn are $918 million as of 9 September. The UK is committed to encouraging other countries to support relief operations and lobbying others remains a key component of the UK’s response. On this issue, over the summer, I have spoken many times to development ministers from other countries, international agencies, such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and NGOs, as have the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. The UK will maintain the pressure on other donors to support life-saving humanitarian activities in the horn of Africa.
Libya: Politics and Government
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to help strengthen state institutions in Libya; [70547]
(2) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to counter any threat of violent extremism in Libya; [70546]
(3) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to pursue sustainable economic development in Libya; [70545]
(4) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council for the reconstruction and development of local infrastructure in Libya; [70544]
(5) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to make progress towards democratic reform in Libya; [70543]
(6) what support he plans to give to the National Transitional Council to promote the development of free and independent media in Libya. [70542]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: The transition in Libya must be Libyan led and Libyan owned, supported by the international community. We will continue to support the Libyan people, through the leadership of the National Transitional Council, in stabilising their country. We are discussing with the National Transitional Council what their needs are: the UK's role in meeting these will be determined in conjunction with other international partners, under the co-ordination of the United Nations.
Strong support by the UK on all aspects of stabilisation has been given to the NTC over recent months.
North Africa: Transport
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on plans for the Lamu-Southern Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor. [70151]
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Mr O'Brien: DFID is supporting transport corridor development in east and southern Africa as part of the UK's Africa Free Trade initiative. This includes support to the Tripartite (COMESA-EAC-SADC) through the TradeMark programmes in east and southern Africa. The Tripartite will showcase two potential projects along the Lamu corridor which will be presented to private sector investors and financiers at a conference in Nairobi on 28-29 September 2011.
The projects, which are being developed by the Government of Kenya as part of its “Vision 2030”, aim to improve access by road to the port of Lamu and support the construction of three berths. The UK is not planning to finance these projects. As with all projects, the UK recommends that the Government of Kenya conduct a full environmental and social impact assessment and achieves transparency and value for money in procurement.
Sudan: Overseas Aid
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with officials of the Sudanese Government on the provision of aid for Sudan. [70908]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: In June this year I met Sudanese Foreign Minister Karti; we discussed how UK aid was being used in Sudan, and the responsibilities of the Government of Sudan in the development of their country. I also discussed these issues with a number of Sudanese Ministers during my visit to Sudan in May. DFID does not route any funding directly through the Government of Sudan. We currently provide most of our funding through large multi-donor pooled funds managed by UN agencies. DFID officials in Khartoum work with the relevant ministries within the Government of Sudan to help them identify and address the development needs of the country. On my visit in May, I also discussed UK aid with ministers from the then Government of Southern Sudan, including President Kiir, now President of the independent Republic of South Sudan.
The British Government are providing £50 million a year for the next four years to help the people of Sudan.
Sudan: Politics and Government
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Sudan. [70880]
Mr Andrew Mitchell: We are greatly concerned at the humanitarian situation in Sudan. This is particularly acute in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State where recent conflict has broken out and where humanitarian access is very limited. There are also significant ongoing humanitarian needs in Abyei and Darfur. We are working closely with the UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations to press for greater access to those that need help the most and for the protection of civilians.
In 2011, the UK has provided £40 million to the UN managed Common Humanitarian Fund which channels funds through UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, of which around 60% will be spent in Sudan in response to needs on the ground. We expect this to help deliver the following results, among others:
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Emergency shelter and non-food items to 2.4 million people
Life-saving health and nutritional support to 6 million people
Safe water and sanitation to 3 million people
Food security and livelihoods support to 5.4 million people.
Home Department
Police Numbers
17. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the change in the number of police officers has been in England and Wales since May 2010. [70942]
Nick Herbert: Police personnel data are collected on a financial year cycle. Published statistics show that there were 139,110 full-time equivalent police officers in England and Wales as at 31 March 2011. This compares with 143,734 as at 31 March 2010.
22. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the potential effect of changes in the number of police officers on the level of crime. [70949]
Nick Herbert: As the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), reminded the House during the last round of oral questions, the Home Affairs Select Committee said in February:
“We accept that there is no simple relationship between numbers of police officers and levels of crime.”
Sex Offenders
20. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people convicted for sexual crimes will no longer be barred from working with children following implementation of her legislative proposals. [70946]
Lynne Featherstone: The Government are scaling back the proposed vetting and barring scheme to common-sense levels by reducing the scope of regulated activity and limiting barring to those who work in, have worked in or will work in regulated activity. Child protection remains paramount and the most serious offences will still lead to automatic barring. It is not possible to make the estimate requested, as not all sexual offences will result in barring either now or in the revised scheme.
Justice
Civil Disorder
Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) males and (b) females in each age category who were (i) arrested and (ii) prosecuted for a criminal offence during the recent public disorder in August 2011 were subject to a (A) parole and (B) rehabilitation order at the time the offence was committed, by police force area. [70976]
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Mr Blunt: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 6 September 2011, Official Report, column 379W.
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many court reports were prepared in connection with people arrested following public disorder in August 2011 in England and Wales; [71146]
(2) how many people (a) arrested and (b) charged following the public disorder in August 2011 were found to be tagged as a result of a previous court order; and if he will make a statement. [71184]
Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of (a) people, (b) women and (c) young people convicted for offences carried out in the August public disorder had previously served a custodial sentence. [71297]
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently publishing frequent updates on people being dealt with by the court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad-hoc/index.htm
As the publication notes, the chief statistician will review the quality of data and release further breakdowns as reliable data become available. A more detailed release will be published on 15 September containing detailed information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence given and previous criminal history.
Civil Proceedings: Legal Costs
Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to ensure that people wishing to pursue clinical negligence claims are not deterred from doing so because of the potential cost of such litigation; and if he will make a statement. [70728]
Mr Djanogly: As part of our package of reforms to civil litigation funding and costs, alongside the removal of recoverability of conditional fee agreements, success fees and after the event insurance premiums, there are a number of reforms to assist claimants in the new regime. There will be an increase of 10% in damages for non-pecuniary loss such as pain, suffering and loss of amenity. In personal injury cases, including clinical negligence, there will be a cap on the amount of damages that may be taken as a success fee. The cap will be set at 25% of the damages awarded other than those for future care loss. This will help protect claimants' damages, and is particularly important in clinical negligence claims, where the damages for future care and loss can sometimes run into many millions of pounds. Qualified one way costs shifting, which is to be introduced in personal injury including clinical negligence, will protect the vast majority of claimants from having to pay the defendant's costs if they lose.
We have listened to particular concerns about the funding of expert reports in clinical negligence cases. Such reports are important to establish whether there is a case for bringing proceedings; but they can be expensive. We are discussing with the NHS Litigation Authority and other stakeholders how the commissioning of reports
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can be improved. In addition, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill includes a tightly drawn power to allow the recoverability of the ATE insurance premiums in clinical negligence cases only. The details will be set out in regulations.
As part of the legal aid reforms the Government recognise that there may be clinical negligence cases, such as obstetrics cases, with high disbursement costs, which are currently funded by legal aid but for which it may be difficult to secure a conditional fee agreement.
We have proposed an ‘exceptional funding’ scheme, which would ensure that individual cases of this type continue to receive legal aid where failure to do so would be likely to result in a breach of the individual's rights to legal aid under the Human Rights Act 1998 or EU law. In considering whether exceptional funding should be granted we will take into account the ability of the client to present their own case, the complexity of the matter, the importance of the issues at stake, and all other relevant circumstances.
Convictions: Burglary
Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the highest number was of previous convictions for burglary for an individual convicted of an offence of burglary without being sent to prison in each of the last three years. [70643]
Mr Blunt: The highest number of previous convictions for burglary, for an individual who was given a sentence other than immediate custody for a burglary offence in 2010, was 58. 38 of these resulted in a custodial sentence. The equivalent figures for 2009 and 2008 were 54 and 56 respectively. The figures relate to three individuals each of whom has a criminal history ranging over 40 years.
The figures relate to separate sentencing occasions at any time in the offender's criminal history; where an offender was sentenced on the same occasion for several offences it is the primary offence that has been counted. These figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national Computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.
Departmental Written Questions
Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of written questions tabled to him for answer on a named day did not receive a substantive answer on the day named for answer between (a) 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011 and (b) 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011. [71131]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: Between 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011, I received a total of 706 written questions for answer on a named day. Of these, 18 received substantive answers after the named day. This equates to 2.5% of the total number of questions within the period.
Between 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011, I received 276 written questions for answer on a named day. Of these, 12 received substantive answers after the named day, equating to 4.4% of the total for the period.
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Freedom of Information
Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy that all bodies which receive public money be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [70795]
Mr Djanogly: The Government are committed to extending the scope of the Freedom of Information Act to increase transparency and are currently consulting over 200 bodies about their inclusion, with plans to further extend this consultation to housing associations. The operation of the Freedom of Information Act will also be assessed through post-legislative scrutiny. Additionally, the Government's “Open Data Consultation” is proposing and consulting on an extension to the types of organisations to which an open data policy would apply. Further policy in this area will be developed in light of the evidence drawn from this work.
Interpreters: Training
Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps his Department is taking to ensure that interpreters employed in the criminal justice system have professional qualifications. [71011]
Mr Blunt: As I announced in a written ministerial statement I made to the House on 15 September 2010, Official Report, columns 46-47WS, we are reforming the delivery of interpretation and translation services across the justice sector. This will primarily affect England and Wales.
A framework agreement with a single supplier was signed by the Ministry of Justice on 24 August 2011. This document includes clear quality standards specifying
12 Sep 2011 : Column 1022W
the qualifications and experience required for interpreters to work in the justice sector.
Organised Crime
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress he has made in implementing the recommendations of the joint thematic review on the management of gang issues. [70152]
Mr Kenneth Clarke: This report raised important issues and action has been taken by the Youth Justice Board and the National Offender Management Service in respect of the recommendations that fell to them.
The Government are currently developing a cross-departmental programme of action to tackle gangs and gang violence. An inter-ministerial group will report to Parliament in October.
Prison Accommodation
Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the cost is per prison place at each public and private sector prison in the most recent year for which figures are available. [71006]
Mr Blunt: The following tables provide direct and overall average resource cost per place and cost per prisoner at each public and private sector prison as published in the National Offender Management Service annual report 2009-10 under management information addendum.
Cost per place is direct resource expenditure or overall resource expressed in terms of the baseline certified normal accommodation and cost per prisoner is direct resource expenditure or overall resource expressed in terms of average population.
| Male category B | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
| Male category C | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
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12 Sep 2011 : Column 1024W
| Male dispersal | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
| Female closed | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
| Female local | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
| Female open | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |
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12 Sep 2011 : Column 1026W
| Male closed YOI (age 15 to 21) | ||||||
| Establishment name | Direct resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner | Overall resource expenditure | Cost per place | Cost per prisoner |